Fraction Matcher

Fraction Matcher

Fraction Matcher by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu)

Objective:

  • To be able to read and write simple fractions;
  • Use basic properties of fractions to reduce simple fractions;
  • To differentiate between regular and irregular fractions;
  • Know the definitions of mixed numbers;
  • Convert an improper fraction to a mixed number and a mixed number to an improper fraction.

This virtual activity is designed for use in mathematics lessons on the following topics

  • Grade 5. “Converting an improper fraction into a mixed number and a mixed number into an improper fraction”

Theoretical part

Ordinary fractions are numbers represented as fractions where the numerator and denominator are integers and the denominator is not zero.

Writing a fraction:

  • A fraction is written as two numbers separated by a line.
  • The number above the line is called the numerator.
  • The number below the line is called the denominator.

Example:

  • 1/2 is an ordinary fraction.
  • 1 is the numerator.
  • 2 is the denominator.

Meaning of the fraction:

  • The denominator shows how many parts the whole has been divided into.
  • The numerator shows how many such parts have been taken.

Example:

  • A pizza is divided into 8 equal parts.
  • We took 3 parts.
  • 3/8 is a fraction that represents 3 parts out of 8.

Types of fractions:

  • A proper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator less than the denominator.
  • An improper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator greater than or equal to the denominator.
  • A mixed number is a number that consists of a whole part and a fractional part.

Example of a mixed number:

  • 1 ½ is a mixed number.
  • 1 is the whole part.
  • 1/2 is the fractional part.

Writing a mixed number:

  • A mixed number is written as two numbers separated by a space.
  • The first number is the whole number.
  • The second number is the fractional part.

Converting fractions to mixed numbers:

  • Divide the numerator by the denominator. Example: 7 / 3 = 2 (remainder 1).
  • Write down the mixed number. Example: 7/3 = 2 ⅓

Virtual experiment

“Fraction Matcher” virtual activity teaches students to find and match matching fractions using numbers and pictures. Performs fraction calculations in a fun way to easily master the topic of simple fractions. Match the same fractions using different numbers and fraction representations.

Course of work:

Section 1: Play with correct and incorrect simple fractions

Step 1. Start the simulation: You will be presented with 2 different modes: “Fraction” and “Mixed Numbers”. Open the “Fraction” section.

Step 2. In the work area you will be presented with 8 different levels of problems. Levels 1-2 use only fractions smaller than 1. Levels 3-6 use fractions smaller than 2. Levels 7-8 use only fractions greater than 1 and less than 2.

Step 3. Open the first level. In the work area, you will see 

  • Windows that collect correctly aligned fractions (1);
  • Scales for comparing fractions (2);
  • Fractions to compare and equalize (3);
  • Button to return to the levels (4);
  • Button to update the types of fractions (5);
  • Level and number of points (6).

Step 4. Bring any fraction to the scales by left-clicking and dragging it.

Step 5. Among the remaining fractions, find a fraction that is equal or proportional to the fraction on the scale. Place it on the second weight. 

Step 6. Check for correctness by clicking on the “Check” button. If the fractions are equal, click “OK” and perform the next alignment. If there is an error, click “Try Again” and compare the fractions from the beginning. 

Step 7. Complete the tasks in a level and move on to the next level.

Section 2: Mixed Numbers Game

Step 8. Open the “Mixed Numbers” Section. In the workspace, you will see 8 different levels of problems. Levels 1-6 use less than 2 mixed number fractions. Levels 7-8 use more than 1 and less than 2 fractions.

Step 9. Open the first level. This section also introduces the work area as in the first section. Here you will do problems with mixed numbers.

Step 10. Move any fraction to the scales by left-clicking and dragging. From the remaining fractions, find one that is equal to or proportional to the fraction on the scale. Place it on the second scale.

Step 11. Check your work by clicking on the “Check” button. 

Step 12. Complete the tasks of one level and move on to the next levels. 

Conclusion 

In this simulation, students worked on fraction-related game tasks to further explore the topic of fractions. They used the basic property of fractions to reduce fractions, compare fractions, and make fractions equal to each other.